A federal high court in Warri has ordered the payment of damages against Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan and members of his Greatgod Holy Tabernacle. The judgement ruled that the Egbesu faithful of the Osuopele Beniseide Temple at Ojobo should be paid compensation for the demolition of their shrine in the name of the fight against evil spirits.
On December 20, 2024, Prophet Owan and members of his congregation unlawfully entered the traditional worship center of Osuopele Beniseide, causing extensive damage to the worship structure and other historical artefacts.
The incident was immediately reported to the Chairman of the Izon Cultural Heritage Council (ICHC) and the Apostle of the Woyin Temple in Yenagoa and this led to an urgent investigation and a subsequent lawsuit against the prophet.
After the court processes, a decision was made on June 29, 2026, which reads:
“”A DECLARATION that the Harassment of the Applicant and worshippers of Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple Deities by the 1st to 9th Respondents is discriminatory, unconstitutional, wrongful and a violation of the provisions of Sections 10 and 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Rights of the Applicants”
The court also ordered that AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents from further harassing and intimidating the Applicant and worshippers of the Osuopele Benesede Opu- Oru Temple Deities and to maintain a 10 kilometres distance away from the Applicant and worshippers of the the Osuopele Benesede Opu- Oru Temple Deities.
Further judgement is as follows:
“AN ORDER ordering the 1st to 9th Respondents to Rebuild the Osuopele Benesede Opu Oru Temple Deities damaged by the 1st to 9th Respondents on 20/12/2024 at Ojobo Community.
4. AN ORDER is now given directing the 1st to 9th Respondents to jointly and severally pay the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) solely as exemplary damages for unlawful destruction of the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple Deities.
5. AN ORDER ordering the 1st to 9th Respondents to pay jointly and severally to the Applicant the sum of ¥100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) As general damages for the destruction and untold ridicule/humiliation suffered by the Applicant, its devotees and believers, Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple/Deities and the blatant violation of his constitutionally guaranteed rights.
6. AN ORDER ordering the 1st to 9th Respondents jointly and severally to pay the Applicant the sum of ₩5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) Only as cost of instituting this litigation.
7. AN ORDER ordering the 1st to 9th Respondents to render Public apology in (2) different Daily National Newspapers circulating in Nigeria.
ISSUED AT WARRI under the Seal of the Court and the Hand of the Presiding Judge this 29th day of June, 2026.
The Spokesperson of the ICHC Odede Precious, called the verdict a correction of an aged lengthy Injustice and asked the prophet and his members to comply and warned others to quit the intimidation and unjust persecution of traditional adherents.
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